who do we owe the thanks to for the changes?

[Quintana]

been reading all the threads about the new kirk and how he has re-immersed, re-dedicated himself and the team to success. which i couldn't be happier about. but it got me to thinking... to whom do we owe the pleasure?

kirk said that he hadn't been investing the necessary time and energy due to all the fund raising for the new facilities he was involved with and his preparation struggled because of it. so maybe it was just a matter of time, like after the completion of the new fb complex, before the re-emergence of the teams under the old kirk we all loved.

but what would have happened if we didn't get blown out last year in the bowl game, or lost the way we did against neb and the goofs? i think most would agree, the pitchfork and torch wielders that came out in droves after those games, and their clamor, was the impetus, the wake up call, for the head man and his staff. would it have been the same old kirk, the same old GDGD this year without them?

is this the classic market driven change that they all claimed needed to be undertaken? do we owe that group of boisterous fans a small token of appreciation? are we 4-0 right now to some extent because of what some called the bandwagon fans?

should the university give them a bigger reward than a $70 concession voucher as a sign of gratitude?

 

[whatsup12579er]

The biggest influence on KF 3.0 is Brian. BF is a great asset to the staff and is able to get to KF more than anyone else not named Mary.

 

[hansenhawk]

Losing

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

been reading all the threads about the new kirk and how he has re-immersed, re-dedicated himself and the team to success. which i couldn't be happier about. but it got me to thinking... to whom do we owe the pleasure?

kirk said that he hadn't been investing the necessary time and energy due to all the fund raising for the new facilities he was involved with and his preparation struggled because of it. so maybe it was just a matter of time, like after the completion of the new fb complex, before the re-emergence of the teams under the old kirk we all loved.

but what would have happened if we didn't get blown out last year in the bowl game, or lost the way we did against neb and the goofs? i think most would agree, the pitchfork and torch wielders that came out in droves after those games, and their clamor, was the impetus, the wake up call, for the head man and his staff. would it have been the same old kirk, the same old GDGD this year without them?

is this the classic market driven change that they all claimed needed to be undertaken? do we owe that group of boisterous fans a small token of appreciation? are we 4-0 right now to some extent because of what some called the bandwagon fans?

should the university give them a bigger reward than a $70 concession voucher as a sign of gratitude?

No the credit should not go to the annoying bandwagon fans that jumped shipped and are now very silent because their plan for disastrous 2015 football season is not coming to fruition. Give me a break! So if anything goes wrong it is KF fault, but if anything goes right the credit goes to the fans who are leaving Kinnick Stadium empty every saturday b/c they did not get their way and KF is our head coach.

So no I do not agee with you and I hope you are wrong when you say most would agree with you

 

[Suterman]

The success so far of this team is due to the players and the coaches and nobody else. The fans who bailed on this team for whatever reason are still entitled to enjoy Iowa Football from afar. The fans that have been in Kinnick have been rewarded w/ 3 excellent showings by our favorite team.

 

[soybean]

The biggest influence on KF 3.0 is Brian. BF is a great asset to the staff and is able to get to KF more than anyone else not named Mary.

I think this as well.

 

[soybean]

been reading all the threads about the new kirk and how he has re-immersed, re-dedicated himself and the team to success. which i couldn't be happier about. but it got me to thinking... to whom do we owe the pleasure?

kirk said that he hadn't been investing the necessary time and energy due to all the fund raising for the new facilities he was involved with and his preparation struggled because of it. so maybe it was just a matter of time, like after the completion of the new fb complex, before the re-emergence of the teams under the old kirk we all loved.

but what would have happened if we didn't get blown out last year in the bowl game, or lost the way we did against neb and the goofs? i think most would agree, the pitchfork and torch wielders that came out in droves after those games, and their clamor, was the impetus, the wake up call, for the head man and his staff. would it have been the same old kirk, the same old GDGD this year without them?

is this the classic market driven change that they all claimed needed to be undertaken? do we owe that group of boisterous fans a small token of appreciation? are we 4-0 right now to some extent because of what some called the bandwagon fans?

should the university give them a bigger reward than a $70 concession voucher as a sign of gratitude?

Yes,all you say is true, but if we had won those three games down the stretch we would have ended with a 10-3 record and a bowl win...what would have there been to change?

 

[FranklinHawk]

been reading all the threads about the new kirk and how he has re-immersed, re-dedicated himself and the team to success. which i couldn't be happier about. but it got me to thinking... to whom do we owe the pleasure?

kirk said that he hadn't been investing the necessary time and energy due to all the fund raising for the new facilities he was involved with and his preparation struggled because of it. so maybe it was just a matter of time, like after the completion of the new fb complex, before the re-emergence of the teams under the old kirk we all loved.

but what would have happened if we didn't get blown out last year in the bowl game, or lost the way we did against neb and the goofs? i think most would agree, the pitchfork and torch wielders that came out in droves after those games, and their clamor, was the impetus, the wake up call, for the head man and his staff. would it have been the same old kirk, the same old GDGD this year without them?

is this the classic market driven change that they all claimed needed to be undertaken? do we owe that group of boisterous fans a small token of appreciation? are we 4-0 right now to some extent because of what some called the bandwagon fans?

should the university give them a bigger reward than a $70 concession voucher as a sign of gratitude?

Or maybe it was the outcomes of those 3 games themselves as KF has said repeatedly and nothing to do with the fans.

 

[iowalaw]

Brian F has absolutely nothing to do with the changes. Brian has been here for 4 years...we were the same old Iowa two years ago and last year with Brian at the helm.

The changes this year were brought on by three things: 1 - having CJ at QB as got us out of a LOT of jams that wouldnt have worked if Jake were still around. By virtue of his ability to scramble for 5 yards rather than taking a sack, we have stayed in and won games we wouldnt have won. 2 - having special teams that aren't a hindrance. We are getting 10 additional yards with each punt, and gaining 10 additional yards with each punt return over last year. That is absolutely HUGE. 3 - Kirk himself has changed. His back was up against the wall. He knew he was one year away from being fired. He knew he was thought of as the most over paid coach in the country. In order for his legacy to remain in tact, he knew he had to put the work in, learn how to catch up with the game, and make the needed changes.

 

[HawkAttackDial911]

Losing and bandwagon fans helped change Ferentz. Like it or not, bandwagon fans are actually a good thing for Iowa football. Losing and money or lack thereof forces change one way or the other. Either by Ferentz changing his philosophy or by Ferentz getting fired.

 

[DrVenkman]

I am going to reserve judgement until after Iowa plays one BIG TEN conference season under this "New Kirk" platform. I do believe the team is more fun to watch, they are more focused, taking some more chances, SEEM to be changing the play-calling and schemes a bit, but I want to see how the team plays against conference opponents. Iowa has a very easy relative schedule.

It is not logical to say things look different due to recent recruiting success, in fact one could argue that the team has had some modest classes and recently lost some key up and coming talent: Willies, Cooper.

So far the players that had little expectations are beating expectations. Like the new tackles, some of the recievers, the LBs, etc. Lets see how we do in league play. I am a big fan of what i have seen so far and beleive the team wil be ready to play in Madison.

 

[IACub]

Maybe if you complain about the weather it'll be nicer tomorrow.

 

[soybean]

Brian F has absolutely nothing to do with the changes. Brian has been here for 4 years...we were the same old Iowa two years ago and last year with Brian at the helm.

The changes this year were brought on by three things: 1 - having CJ at QB as got us out of a LOT of jams that wouldnt have worked if Jake were still around. By virtue of his ability to scramble for 5 yards rather than taking a sack, we have stayed in and won games we wouldnt have won. 2 - having special teams that aren't a hindrance. We are getting 10 additional yards with each punt, and gaining 10 additional yards with each punt return over last year. That is absolutely HUGE. 3 - Kirk himself has changed. His back was up against the wall. He knew he was one year away from being fired. He knew he was thought of as the most over paid coach in the country. In order for his legacy to remain in tact, he knew he had to put the work in, learn how to catch up with the game, and make the needed changes.

Please share with us how you can be so sure about that?

 

[WORTHYWISH]

Brian F has absolutely nothing to do with the changes. Brian has been here for 4 years...we were the same old Iowa two years ago and last year with Brian at the helm.

The changes this year were brought on by three things: 1 - having CJ at QB as got us out of a LOT of jams that wouldnt have worked if Jake were still around. By virtue of his ability to scramble for 5 yards rather than taking a sack, we have stayed in and won games we wouldnt have won. 2 - having special teams that aren't a hindrance. We are getting 10 additional yards with each punt, and gaining 10 additional yards with each punt return over last year. That is absolutely HUGE. 3 - Kirk himself has changed. His back was up against the wall. He knew he was one year away from being fired. He knew he was thought of as the most over paid coach in the country. In order for his legacy to remain in tact, he knew he had to put the work in, learn how to catch up with the game, and make the needed changes.

This makes the most sense.

 

[Vroom_C14]

I say HROT, without our knowledge and foresight KF would never had made the changes he has.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

I hope BF becomes the next head coach for two reason 1) I truly believe he will be a successful head coach 2) just to piss off the fans who claim "Ferentz Fatigue"
Maybe Brian will have a son and he will be the next head coach after Brian and we have 30+ years of Feretnz(s)
That would just be poetic

 

[J_Heater]

No the credit should not go to the annoying bandwagon fans that jumped shipped and are now very silent because their plan for disastrous 2015 football season is not coming to fruition. Give me a break! So if anything goes wrong it is KF fault, but if anything goes right the credit goes to the fans who are leaving Kinnick Stadium empty every saturday b/c they did not get their way and KF is our head coach.

So no I do not agee with you and I hope you are wrong when you say most would agree with you

Right now they are taking full responsibility because we are 4-0. Our first loss I am going to go on record and predict these idiots will go back to giving KF full credit for the performance of the team.

They do make this place fun though.

 

[revkev73]

Some of the press...which dared to question whether KF was still a viable coach.

The fans, who were tired of inept coaching and play, and walked.

Internet fans who posted negative (mostly facts) about the deterioration of the program.

Big givers who threatened to walk unless things were changed.

If none of the above happened...KF would still be the arrogant, detached, rationalizing, excuse making to the max persona...which is his stubborn nature, it seems or has been.

And one cannot overlook the value of talent at the QB position...which was also forced upon KF, perhaps by players and assistant coaches...

 

[scotthawk1964]

It was me, and solely me that should get the credit for the teams turnaround, and I base this on absolutely nothing. They started to make changes last year, that was evident as to amount of 4th down attempts the Hawks tried last season. I think the talent is better this year. CJ is an upgrade, and the LB's who were a liability last year have a year under their belts and are playing better. If this team continues to improve and stay healthy, just think how good they could be next year.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

Some of the press...which dared to question whether KF was still a viable coach.

The fans, who were tired of inept coaching and play, and walked.

Internet fans who posted negative (mostly facts) about the deterioration of the program.

Big givers who threatened to walk unless things were changed.

If none of the above happened...KF would still be the arrogant, detached, rationalizing, excuse making to the max persona...which is his stubborn nature, it seems or has been.

And one cannot overlook the value of talent at the QB position...which was also forced upon KF, perhaps by players and assistant coaches...

The press: Really you are starting your post of by giving credit to the press for the changes we have seen, laughable at best....you can't be serious
Fans: Believe it or not the majority of the fan base does not feel this way, it might seem like that at times b/c misery loves company and the miserable minority often are the loudest
Internet Fans: SERIOUSLY, you are giving credit to message board fans, how dumb is this
Large Donors: This might actually have some truth, however; it is apparent that most large donors are in support of KF....the proof is all the wonderful new toys that were purchased through large donations
Are you talking about the QB that is at Iowa b/c of KF pro style offense and his NFL connections to his grandfather, do you not realize that he is at Iowa b/c of KF?

Nice try though

 

[whatsup12579er]

Brian F has absolutely nothing to do with the changes. Brian has been here for 4 years...we were the same old Iowa two years ago and last year with Brian at the helm.

The changes this year were brought on by three things: 1 - having CJ at QB as got us out of a LOT of jams that wouldnt have worked if Jake were still around. By virtue of his ability to scramble for 5 yards rather than taking a sack, we have stayed in and won games we wouldnt have won. 2 - having special teams that aren't a hindrance. We are getting 10 additional yards with each punt, and gaining 10 additional yards with each punt return over last year. That is absolutely HUGE. 3 - Kirk himself has changed. His back was up against the wall. He knew he was one year away from being fired. He knew he was thought of as the most over paid coach in the country. In order for his legacy to remain in tact, he knew he had to put the work in, learn how to catch up with the game, and make the needed changes.

We agree to disagree. Brian has been given more and more responsibilities each season. I think you are dead wrong.

I agree that CJB is a big improvement over JR. Having a punt returner is something Iowa hasn't had in years but its the same P/K as last season. Everything you say about KF in your 3rd point can be attributed to Brian's influence. I think we would have seen the same conservative KF if BF wasn't in his ear. Why all of the sudden has KF agreed to the Nike Pro Combats after 16 years of rejecting them? Did KF suddenly see the light? I think someone finally convinced him that it can be used as something to promote the brand. I'll throw in Seth Wallace as a close second to BF as guys helping KF turn it around.

 

[cedarvalleykid14]

Anybody who thinks the outcry from thousands of fans who care enough about this program to criticize it, to stop buying tickets after decades of loyalty, to stop giving their hard-earned money and time away to an entitled athletic department, and to stop making excuses for an overpaid stubborn old man as head football coach had nothing to do with this sudden, otherwise inexplicable metamorphosis believes in the tooth fairy, Santa Claus, and ESPN.

If you were not in that group of dissenters, you failed the program. Your blind loyalty was enabling KF to continue to run Hawkeye football into the abyss. Five years of mediocre irrelevance is pretty tough to ignore, even for pollyannas.

People wanted CJ instead of JR. They wanted to return punts instead of fair catch them or let 'em roll for 20 yards. They wanted Iowa to run fakes instead of consistently being faked. They wanted to throw the damn ball down the field. They wanted RBs to carry the ball instead of FBs. They wanted some creativity and misdirection in the running game. They wanted TDs in the red zone not FGs. They wanted to play to win instead of playing not to lose. They wanted yellow towels to wave instead of red pom-poms.

No, the disgruntled Iowa fans had nothing to do with any of these sudden changes. You can believe that if it helps you sleep at night. But history and reality tell a vastly different tale. Rebellions bring change. Supporting the status quo brings disaster. KF changed because he had no choice. Period.

 

[revkev73]

In the past, most of the press has fallen in line behind the intimidation of King KF...this has changed...he and his coaching and the results have been challenged on different levels, not the least are comments from national pundits about how Iowa has slipped on the field, recruiting, etc. The local press has also been more vocal to at least whisper about what the program had become. Iowa announcers had been also more outspoken about the "product" on the field.

I listed it first, but not because it was the most important, it wasn't a "by influence" list...

The "scoop" on the internet is certainly followed by any coaching staff that is focused on tech updates...isn't that logical? The internet was and is part of the back ground rumble among the faithful...that this ineptitude cannot go on forever... KF doesn't deserve a free ride...he is paid to coach, recruit, and be better than a series of embarrassing collapses.

I am hoping Iowa does well...need to beat Bucky and do something against some teams that are something...to get back in the national conversation for results, rather than conversations about what was but is no more in the land of KF...

 

[paladinhawk]

No, the disgruntled Iowa fans had nothing to do with any of these sudden changes. You can believe that if it helps you sleep at night. But history and reality tell a vastly different tale. Rebellions bring change. Supporting the status quo brings disaster. KF changed because he had no choice. Period.

You take yourself waaaaaaaaaaaaaay too seriously.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

Anybody who thinks the outcry from thousands of fans who care enough about this program to criticize it, to stop buying tickets after decades of loyalty, to stop giving their hard-earned money and time away to an entitled athletic department, and to stop making excuses for an overpaid stubborn old man as head football coach had nothing to do with this sudden, otherwise inexplicable metamorphosis believes in the tooth fairy, Santa Claus, and ESPN.

If you were not in that group of dissenters, you failed the program. Your blind loyalty was enabling KF to continue to run Hawkeye football into the abyss. Five years of mediocre irrelevance is pretty tough to ignore, even for pollyannas.

People wanted CJ instead of JR. They wanted to return punts instead of fair catch them or let 'em roll for 20 yards. They wanted Iowa to run fakes instead of consistently being faked. They wanted to throw the damn ball down the field. They wanted RBs to carry the ball instead of FBs. They wanted some creativity and misdirection in the running game. They wanted TDs in the red zone not FGs. They wanted to play to win instead of playing not to lose. They wanted yellow towels to wave instead of red pom-poms.

No, the disgruntled Iowa fans had nothing to do with any of these sudden changes. You can believe that if it helps you sleep at night. But reality tells a vastly different tale.

Ok so how convenient....so bc we are doing well the vocal minority now say it is because of their complaints and if/when we do not you can say how right you were about KF, give me a break...the changes on the field are very subtle and other than new QB which was announced well in advance of ticket sales or lack thereof. The 2 biggest changes are practice times in Thea AM and team unity....you want to take credit for that too, or maybe game prep too, or the recruitment of CJB king and others....c'mon. Man

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

In the past, most of the press has fallen in line behind the intimidation of King KF...this has changed...he and his coaching and the results have been challenged on different levels, not the least are comments from national pundits about how Iowa has slipped on the field, recruiting, etc. The local press has also been more vocal to at least whisper about what the program had become. Iowa announcers had been also more outspoken about the "product" on the field.

I listed it first, but not because it was the most important, it wasn't a "by influence" list...

The "scoop" on the internet is certainly followed by any coaching staff that is focused on tech updates...isn't that logical? The internet was and is part of the back ground rumble among the faithful...that this ineptitude cannot go on forever... KF doesn't deserve a free ride...he is paid to coach, recruit, and be better than a series of embarrassing collapses.

I am hoping Iowa does well...need to beat Bucky and do something against some teams that are something...to get back in the national conversation for results, rather than conversations about what was but is no more in the land of KF...

I will agree with you in that I too want Iowa to do well....cheers

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Personally, I'm going to give credit to -

1. KF - he takes the blame, he gets the credit.

2. Barta & the donors - the Iowa football building is a wonder. The teams now works, eats and plays together in a fabulous building. Barta takes the blame, he gets the credit.

3. CJ. - has a chance to be better than Stanzi. He is the real deal.

 

[The Sleeping Dog]

First the season's not over yet so let's all remember what Harvey Keitel told Travolta and Jackson in Pulp Fiction.

As one of the guys predicting disaster I am happy to eat my words. I'm not wrong often....of course, but I think KF did the hardest thing for a 60 year old dog to do, learn a lot of new tricks. The fans and, more importantly the donors, applied pressure that KF knew could not be avoided. KF has been all about football as a lifestyle since he was 12 and he knows that almost everyone's career ends at a time not of one's choosing.

So, rather than pack in another multi million paycheck and call it a career, he went back to the grindstone, challenged his paradigm and reinvented KF football, to a certain extent. Good for him for accepting the reality that its not real change without real change. That takes a wise and committed man at Kirk's age.

So, in the end, the credit goes to the guy in charge...Head Coach Kirk Ferentz.

 

[TonyTheTiger.1865]

I think to much is being made of this, one bad performance and reality will set back in.

 

[markfromj]

This isn't hard: The credit goes to the same source the criticism goes: To Kirk.

 

[revkev73]

KF does get "credit" for the season thus far...although most goes to the players, including the QB...

That said, his motivation for changing seems to be from the outside, several forces...frustrated fans, a more critical press, end of the rope big money folks, an AD who was feeling the noose tighten, perhaps his sons, and constant calls for change from the digital fan base... If he was forced to change because of these forces...how much credit is one willing to throw his way?

His stubbornness and arrogance cost many bungled games and lost seasons...

Weak schedules kept him on life support...

My two cents...hope we have a season to remember and KF cries with pride, well deserved pride...

 

[hwk23]

The season isn't over but so far the the play-making ability of CJ has been HUGE, and that's who I'm giving most of the credit, so far. Kirk's done a good job to, I like the new Kirk, but we're probably 2-2 with last year's QB.

 

[Bulldogs1974]

Bandwagon fans????wtf. Anyone who was frustrated by kirk last year is as normal as normal gets.
Iowa has had two coaches in 35 years. Just think about that for a second. Our fans watched the decline of a legend. Fry only won 42 games in his last 7 season, do the math.
We have all watched seasons that could have been great slip away because of kirks overly cautious approach. We knew that if a few things were tweaked maybe we could get back over that hump. I think most questioned if kirk was willing not if he were able.
Iowa fans maybe a lot of things but impatient isn't one of them. So again, bandwagon???? Wtf
Go check out other fan bases.

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

"The fans don't matter and have no influence."

Sincerely,

heat_dawg & Todd Lickliter

 

[Phenomenally Frantastic]

KF does get "credit" for the season thus far...although most goes to the players, including the QB...

That said, his motivation for changing seems to be from the outside, several forces...frustrated fans, a more critical press, end of the rope big money folks, an AD who was feeling the noose tighten, perhaps his sons, and constant calls for change from the digital fan base... If he was forced to change because of these forces...how much credit is one willing to throw his way?

His stubbornness and arrogance cost many bungled games and lost seasons...

Weak schedules kept him on life support...

My two cents...hope we have a season to remember and KF cries with pride, well deserved pride...

/end thread

 

[hawkcub]

Not really a surprise these fans are trying to claim the early success is because of them. They got to come up with some justification for their fairweather fandom.

 

[HawktimusPrime]

Us fans mostly, and anyone who doesn't believe that, well, you underestimate how important your money is to the University. The customer is always right.

 

[HawktimusPrime]

Not really a surprise these fans are trying to claim the early success is because of them. They got to come up with some justification for their fairweather fandom.

If you don't understand it, then you don't understand business. This is big business, disguised as a game. The seats were getting empty, merchandising was likely down also, and the support was dropping big time.

In business terms, the customers weren't happy with the product, so they stopped spending money. Then once it was apparent, that they weren't going to keep coming in the numbers they normally did, the product had no choice but to be molded into what they wanted.

Again, in the end, this is a business.

 

[Hawk and Awe]

This team is a couple plays away from 2-2. If we lose those 2 games people are talking about the same old KF BS.

So before you give thanks for changes I'd make sure anything has changed at all. Last year wasn't the first time fans had given up on the guy.

There is absolutely a spark to this team, but that's been the case with all the great KF teams... Or really all great teams. I think it's just really hard to have sustained success and the stars MIGHT be aligning for a fun season.

 

[markfromj]

This team is a couple plays away from 2-2. If we lose those 2 games ......

Which plays in which games?